How to Get Rid of Herpes Naturally

Overview

Herpes is a virus that invades the body and stays put--you can never get rid of the virus, but you can treat it and reduce the amount of flare-ups of the virus that many people experience. Herpes is a distant cousin of chicken pox and produces many of the same symptoms such as rash and cold sores. Flare-ups can be triggered by stress, diet and exposure to the sun. Learn how to get rid of herpes naturally, for peace of mind, control over your own condition and to save money.

Step 1

Treat herpes skin irritations and blisters with baking soda. Dip a cotton ball into baking soda and apply directly to blisters or sores, which will help dry them out and reduce itching. If you don't have baking soda, use cornstarch.

Step 2

Soak in Epsom salt. Fill your bathtub halfway full with warm water and add about 1/4 cup of Epsom salt into the water and dissolve. Soak in the tub for about 15 to 20 minutes for effective relief from itching, and to help soothe and reduce skin irritation and blistering. This soak will also help reduce the duration and oozing of blisters for faster healing.

Step 3

Add L-lysine to your diet. L-lysine is an amino acid found in foods such as pastries, cookies and many cereals. L-lysine is effective in the treatment and prevention of blisters and sores caused by herpes in the mouth and genital region. You can also purchase lysine as a supplement from your local natural food or drug store. Take approximately 1,000mg of lysine three times a day with meals during periods of flare-ups, and take maintenance doses of approximately 1,000mg a day during dormant periods or if you suffer from frequent outbreaks.

Step 4

Take echinacea to help boost your immune system and to deal with several types of herpes, including genital herpes and herpes virus type 2. You can purchase echinacea from natural food or vitamin stores, as well as your local drug store. The recommended dosage of echinacea is about 1g three times a day during flare-ups. According to a case study in the "British Journal of Phytotherapy," people who took echinacea within a couple of hours of initial tingling that signaled an outbreak were able to curb both the discomfort and the length of the outbreak. Powdered echinacea works the fastest: dissolve 1/2 tsp. of the powder in juice or tea and drink three times a day.